Back to basics
Jazz Hall's fall program is, well, 'ambitious'

Steve Ham's Jambalaya Jass Band will perform Oct. 18.Tulsa World file

By JAMES D. WATTS JR. World Scene Writer
Published: 9/10/2009 2:28 AM
Last Modified: 9/10/2009 3:39 AM

The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame's fall concert series will feature a number of favorite local artists, along with jazz, gospel and classical performers from around the country.

"This is perhaps our most ambitious autumn series," said Jazz Hall of Fame CEO Chuck Cissel, "because we are covering the bases — ragtime, classical, Dixieland, big band, swing, traditional jazz, blues and gospel."

The fall concert series will also feature several weeknight concerts in addition to the regular performances at 5 p.m. Sundays at the Jazz Depot, 111 E. First St.

These concerts include appearances by nationally known jazz violinist Christian Howes and the Argentinean combo Viento Sur Trombone Quartet, which debuted at the Jazz Depot in 2008.

The concert series begins Sunday with a concert featuring national recording artist Grady Nichols. Nichols, a longtime Tulsa resident, is making his debut as part of the Jazz Hall's Sunday series.

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Tickets

The concert tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students, and $5 for high school students and younger. For more information, call 281-8600 or go online totulsaworld.com/okjazz.

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Falling for jazz

The full concert schedule is as follows:

Sept. 20: Oklahoma City pianist Justin Echols, who director Chuck Cissel said is a performer in the mold of Nat “King” Cole.

Sept. 27:

Luigi Balletto performing his “Let Me Be Frank” tribute to Frank Sinatra, with pianist Mike Leland. “This concert will be a fundraiser for the Jazz Hall’s scholarship fund,” Cissel said. “Luigi wanted to give back something to the community.”

Oct. 1: Jazz violinist Christian Howes (this concert is at 7:30 p.m.).

Oct. 4: Ryan and Ryan on Ragtime. Tulsa pianist Donald Ryan and his son Barron perform.

Oct. 7: Viento Sur Trombone Quartet (this concert is at 7:30 p.m.).

Oct. 11: Trumpeter and vocalist Jeff Shadley and his band.

Oct. 18: Steve Hamm and the Jambalaya Jass Band.

Oct. 21: Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame 2009 Induction Gala, honoring Wayman Tisdale and Bob Wills.

Oct. 25: Mike Cameron Trio with guest vocalist Olivia Duhon.

Nov. 1: Primal Swing. “This is a brand-new Tulsa ensemble that has just released its first CD, titled ‘Beyond the Horizon,’” said Cissel, who will join the band on vocals for this concert.

Nov. 8: Vocalist Tavis Minner and pianist Rick Fortner.

Nov. 15: University of Tulsa Jazz Band, with guest artist Walter White, a trumpet player in the Jazz Orchestra of Lincoln Center.

Nov. 22: The Rev. Cortez Rex in “The Rev. James Cleveland Story.” Cissel said this show would be “a combination of theater and concert.”

Dec. 6: Soprano Ernestine Dillard and the Tulsa Praise Orchestra.

Dec. 13: Violinist Marc Gottlieb with special guest Harriet Wingreen, pianist with the New York Philharmonic, and vocalist Charlotte Blakely.

Dec. 20: The Rev. Joey Crutcher and the Gospel Music Workshop of America Choir.